Pretoria -Transport Department Director-General George Mahlalela has reiterated the call for Gauteng motorists to register for e-tolling, saying the process is quick and simple.
On Monday, Mahlalela led senior staff members of his department in registering for the e-tolling system and getting their e-tags ahead of the implementation of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Programme (GFIP).
Speaking to BuaNews after getting his e-tag, Mahlalela said: "The process is smooth, quick, simple and efficient, and I am now urging all Gauteng motorists to register their vehicles for the e-tolling system."
The e-tolling system will kick-off on 30 April.
The implementation of the system was halted in January after the public outcry over the tariffs. However, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced in his budget speech a special approbation of R5.8 billion to reduce the toll burden on motorists.
Motorists can register for an e-toll account via:
e-toll customer service website - ww.sanral.co.za;
e-toll customer service kiosks located at various malls and along the freeway network;
e-toll call centre on 0800 SANRAL (726 725); and
buying an e-tag at conveniently located retail outlets (similar to a cell phone starter pack).
The full amount of the purchase price of an e-tag is credited to the road user's e-toll account upon registration, which means the e-tag is effectively free.
Road users will have the option to link their e-toll account directly to their credit card. If they choose to do so, the toll transactions for the day will be rolled up and the e-toll account topped-up from the road user's credit card account.
However, motorists who choose to have a pre-paid account can top-up their accounts through various payment channels including electronic fee transfer (EFT), debit orders and at retailers (similar to the purchase of air-time).
Road users can also top-up their accounts at dedicated e-toll customer service centres or kiosks.
The new fee structure will see drivers of e-tag vehicles pay 30 cents a kilometre, instead of 66 cents as originally planned.
There will also be a monthly cap of R550 for frequent users. In addition, there will be a 15 percent discount in the rates after their toll fees reach R400.
Drivers of motorcycles will pay 20 cents per kilometre and non-articulated and articulated trucks would pay 75 cents and R1.51 per kilometre respectively.
Heavy vehicles will qualify for a 20 percent discount if they use the roads during off-peak times in the day. Taxis and other public transport operators will be exempt from toll fees.
